Preparing for the Holidays: Gifts, Grace, and Gratitude

What's Up! It’s Tommy here! The holidays are here, and we all know what that means: a mix of joy, stress, and a lot of running around—especially when you’re navigating life with a special needs child. In this episode, I’m sharing how we tackle family gatherings, manage dietary needs, and focus on what really matters during this busy season. From a successful Thanksgiving at my grandparents’ house to prepping for Christmas, I’ll walk you through what’s worked for us, what hasn’t, and why giving the gift of presence is more important than ever.

Key Takeaways:

• Support Means Everything: When family members step in to help—even in small ways—it makes a huge difference. Simple things like keeping an eye on Wyatt or helping with gluten-free options go a long way.
• Set Realistic Expectations: Not every kid will react to gifts or gatherings the same way, and that’s okay. What matters most is creating a space where everyone feels included.
• Sibling Balance: It’s so important to celebrate Jessie’s growth while managing Wyatt’s needs. Keeping both kids feeling seen and loved takes effort, but it’s worth it.
• Diet Impacts Everything: Food sensitivities aren’t just about convenience—they affect how our kids feel for days. Thoughtfulness here is a game-changer for families like mine.
• Be Present: The best gift you can give is showing up—really showing up—with eye contact, patience, and love. Our kids will remember that more than any toy.

Thanks so much for listening! If this episode resonated with you, please share it with your friends and family. And hey, if you’ve got any tips or questions, send them my way—I’d love to hear from you. Let’s make this season about connection and grace. Email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Our website is spectrumincamoflauge.com